NEWS

Delivered by RTC North, in partnership with Made Smarter, Smarter Manufacturing: Using AI to Improve Productivity and Performance brought together manufacturers, digital specialists and support organisations for a morning of honest discussion, practical insight and real-world examples.

Held as part of Burnley Business Week and linked to National Manufacturing Day, the event was designed to move beyond the noise around AI and help manufacturers understand what is useful, what is realistic and where to start.

Hosted at Safran Nacelles, the session gave attendees the opportunity to hear directly from one of Burnley’s major manufacturers in a real manufacturing environment. Safran shared its own digitalisation journey, offering insight into how a large, complex manufacturing operation is exploring AI and digital technologies alongside connected machinery, automated inspection and wider transformation.

The morning brought together a strong mix of forward-thinking manufacturers and digital specialists, creating a rare opportunity for attendees to hear first-hand experiences, ask direct questions and take part in an open discussion about the role AI could and should play on the factory floor.

The first panel featured manufacturers including Safran, Process Instruments, MGS Plastics and Hafferty Interiors, who shared why they began exploring AI and digital adoption, where they started, what challenges they faced and what they would say to other businesses considering similar steps.

Rather than presenting AI as a quick fix, the discussion focused on the realities of adoption, from finding the right starting point and building internal confidence to understanding data, managing risk and keeping human judgement at the centre of decision-making.

A second panel brought together Door4, Seriun, The AI Works and Made Smarter to explore “The Art of the Possible”, looking at how manufacturers can move from curiosity to practical application. The conversation covered where AI can genuinely support productivity, planning, quality, reporting, downtime, decision-making and better use of existing data, while recognising that the technology only adds value when it is solving a real business problem.

Throughout the event, a clear message emerged: manufacturers do not need to make a giant leap into AI, but they do need to start asking the right questions. Businesses were encouraged to start small, focus on real operational challenges, test ideas carefully and make sure people remain firmly involved in how AI is used.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to tour Safran Nacelles’ manufacturing facilities, giving businesses first-hand insight into a major local manufacturing site.

Steve Wilkinson, Project Manager at RTC North, said:

“AI is everywhere at the moment, but most manufacturers do not need more noise. They need useful information, honest examples and a clear view of what might actually help their business.

“With AI becoming bigger for manufacturers, we were keen to put on an event like this. We work with businesses across the North every day, and we know the value of getting the right people in the same room to talk openly.

“The manufacturers on the panels were honest about where they started, what was difficult and what they have learned. That kind of insight is hard to get from a report or a webinar, which is why it’s important for us to put on events like this and connect local businesses with the right people.”

The event highlighted both the appetite and caution many manufacturers feel around AI. While businesses are interested in the potential to save time, improve decision-making and strengthen operations, discussions also explored common barriers including data quality, cyber security, lack of time, internal skills and knowing where to begin.

By bringing manufacturers, specialists and support organisations together, RTC North aimed to give businesses a clearer and more practical understanding of how AI and digital tools could support their next steps.

As a Certified B Corporation and employee-owned business, RTC North is committed to supporting growth that creates long-term value for businesses, people and places. Bringing manufacturers together to share knowledge, learn from each other and explore practical innovation is a key part of that commitment.

Through its work across the North, RTC North continues to support businesses to innovate, adopt new technologies and access the expertise needed to grow with confidence.